Some teenagers start asking the big questions early: What am I good at? What could I do with my life?
What you may be wondering
Whether it's too much, too early, and whether your teen will keep up. You'd like a summer that feeds their curiosity and brings them a step closer to the adult world, but still with the friends and fun that make summer worth it.
What your teen is hoping for
For it to feel real: real challenges, people who do this for a living, and other teens who are just as curious. Not school with a new name.
What makes it work
Programs built for curious teens, not experts. Nobody is graded on what they already know. What your teen gets is a genuine taste of a field, and the confidence that comes from holding their own in a room of peers from other countries. Some programs end with a report or certificate, which is a nice bonus for future applications. Day-student versions are for families who live in, or are staying near, the city.
Not sure which field fits your teen, or whether they're ready? Lucie Straková, kiDay's founder, can help you both decide.
Ask Lucie on WhatsApp
ORD
14–18y
Career experience · Sports business · day students
A week of sports business classes and site visits in Chicago as a day student, 9:30 to 4:30 — only for families already staying in Chicago.
ORD
14–18y
Career experience · Sports business
A week of sports business in Chicago: classes with an NYU Stern professor and former NFL and NBA executive, behind-the-scenes visits to venues like Wrigley Field and the United Center, and a team capstone project.
ORD
14–18y
Career experience · Sports business
The business behind the game, taught by an NYU Stern professor and former NFL and NBA executive — behind-the-scenes visits to stadiums in Chicago and New York, industry speakers and two team capstone projects.
JFK
14–18y
Career experience · Sports business · day students
A week of sports business classes and site visits in New York as a day student, 9:30 to 4:30 — only for families already staying in New York.
JFK
14–18y
Career experience · Sports business
A week of sports business in New York: athlete branding, sponsorship and media with an NYU Stern professor, behind-the-scenes visits to venues like Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium, and a team capstone project.
GVA
15–17y
Leadership
Guest speakers flown in from three continents, team missions on a budget, rafting and canyoning — leadership training for 15–17s in the Swiss Alps.
LHR
15–17y
Leadership · Tennis
Debate, persuade and lead in the mornings, then tennis on the campus courts — for 15–17s with strong English.
LHR
15–17y
Leadership · Outdoor & karting
Model UN, debates and a mock election in the mornings; outdoor leadership challenges, then a week at karting school in the afternoons.
LHR
15–17y
Leadership · Creative writing & film
Global Leadership mornings, then a short story you write or a film you make — two creative weeks in late July for 15–17s.
JFK
14–18y
Career experience · Finance · day students
The full two-week Wall Street finance curriculum as a day student, 9:30 to 4:30 on weekdays — only for families already staying in New York.
JFK
14–18y
Career experience · Finance
Two weeks learning finance from Wall Street professionals in New York — stock-picking and portfolio competitions judged by experts, guest speakers, a certificate, and summer evenings in Manhattan.
JFK
14–18y
Career experience · Finance · day students
One week of Wall Street finance classes as a day student, 9:30 to 4:30 — only for families already staying in New York.
JFK
14–18y
Career experience · Finance
A week of Wall Street in New York: finance classes with NYIF instructors, a team portfolio competition judged by experts, guest speakers and Manhattan highlights.
Something in between: real content and projects without the pressure of school grades, plus time for friends, sport and the city. Some programs give a report or certificate at the end.
No. These programs are for curious teens, not experts. Some ask for a short application after enrolment, which is about interest, not grades.
Day students join the full daytime program but sleep at home or with family nearby. Families travelling from abroad should choose the residential version, which includes accommodation and evening supervision.
It can. These programs give teens real experiences and something concrete to talk about in applications and interviews, and some give a report or certificate you can include.
Each card shows the ages. Most programs here are for 14–18.
See also: Summer programs for older teens · Summer camps in England
